MAKING WAVES
LOCAL SPIRIT How did you come to start Christopher Jewelers and how did your family get into the business? Our family has always been in the jewelry business to some extent, as my mother, Joan Richmond designed and sold high fashion jewelry in the 80’s, working with a rep in Atlanta, who had her jewelry in eight states. We are deeply rooted in the industry, having family in the business for nearly 40 years in Houston, TX. Georgine Iloff of Iloff Jewelers, Victoria Osteen’s mother and my aunt, has been very instrumental in teaching and guiding us in the business. She is a long time graduate gemologist who is truly the best of the best. You sell the most amazing out-of-the ordinary pieces of jewelry here in Columbus. How do you find them and how do you choose the pieces you sell? We search for one-of-a-kind and unique pieces that speak for themselves. We work a lot with European designers for the most part in search for the best in high- end jewelry at very affordable prices. All our jewelry is 14 or 18 carat gold and platinum, gemstones galore, pearls, diamonds and more diamonds. Georgine plays a pivotal role in this process as well as helping in the selection of special pieces for the showroom. How do you tell whether a piece of jewelry is high quality? Working with a jeweler who selects each piece with care and pride and having the knowledge of the product is beneficial. High quality jewelry will sell itself, especially with a personal/private jeweler such as Christopher Jewelers.
What is a good piece of jewelry for women who aren’t used to wearing much? A classic that never goes out of fashion are gold and diamond hoop earrings, they go with everything from formal attire to blue jeans. They ease seamlessly from day to evening and always look stylish, a must have. Another suggestion that is timeless is diamonds by the
CHRISTOPHER JEWELERS, Rhonda Richmond-Boyd yard or a diamond pendant necklace; these are fun and beautiful and can be mixed with any and all other jewelry.
What makes Christopher Jewelers different from the rest of the retailers in our area? I love what we do, our showroom is quaint and elegant, so tastefully displayed, people gasp at our jewelry, it truly sells itself. People stop me all the time and ask, “Where did you get that.” Each piece we feature in our showroom is unequaled in excellence and quality and our
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pieces appeal to everyone. Men especially like it because it’s a personal experience buying for that special someone as they don’t seem to get overwhelmed. Our jewelry runs the gamut from rings, necklaces, earrings to bracelets. A must see experience.
DEC/JAN 2009
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